Matt Weller
Vice Chair of the IMS Programme
Matt has been very involved with volunteering in sport since becoming a Sport Sec for Robert Bakewell Hall. From then on he has moved on to becoming Vice Chair for IMS alongside studying for his degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Tell us a little bit about yourself (hobbies, interests and background):
From Portsmouth, played some sport growing up (mainly football) but was always involved in PE. Took STEM A levels at my local Sixth form and joint the Defence Technical Undergrad Scheme with the aim to join the Armed forces as an Engineering Officer on graduation from Loughborough University.
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Loughborough?
I studied Engineering at university, but still wanted to be involved in the Loughborough sport side of the university. I decided to last minute run for my halls sport sec position, after being pushed by the sport sec at the time, turns out it was the best thing I ever did at uni.
During your years at Loughborough what have you got involved in through volunteering within sport?
As a sport sec I was heavily involved in the IMS program. Attended almost all ODE weekends as a Bakewell sport sec as well as committee roles (Having a lead roles in Charity football tournaments and Bakewell only sporting events). I became a right IMS keeno, making it to every event possible and helped out at the bigger events when needed. Through this it was silly of me not to apply for the Role of IMS Exec. As soon as I heard back that I was successful in securing the role, I was actively involved in helping out in all areas of IMS. I am now currently Vice Chair of the program which seems to be off to a very successful start of the year.
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Loughborough?
I have absolutely loved every second of it, even though it is a lot of work it is extremely rewarding. Some of the best feelings have been when an IMS event has come together successfully.
How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?
Being in the role that I am in has helped me develop a wide range of skills that I hope to use in my future career. I have been able to develop my leadership and management skills, as well as maintaining a huge responsibility. Professionally, Loughborough Sport have given me a first aid qualification, as well as many personal development opportunities. I have had the opportunity to attend exec training which included PRINT Profiling and Talks from high profile speakers such as Guy Richardson. All of these allowed me to have a deeper understanding of how I operate inside a team and develop my leadership skills.
What’s the best advice you could give to a Loughborough student looking to get involved in volunteering & gain the most out of their university experiences?
If you are on the fence about volunteering, just do it. Go for something that will give you a little taste of volunteering but don't be afraid to try. I was so unsure and turns out it was the best thing I had ever done.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Having such a large impact on opportunities in sport
Feeling inspired?
Feeling inspired by Matt's experience? Check out the CVA Portal regularly for opportunities like her's.